Peña, one of the highest-profile figures in Southtown’s bar scene, is battling cancer. Credit: Christopher Perez

Name: Aaron Peña
Job: Co-founder of Bar Gimme Gimme and Amor Eterno
Hometown: San Antonio
Years in food and beverage service: 12
Big Impact: Peña is one of the highest-profile figures in Southtown’s bar scene, and other notable projects include the now-shuttered Squeezebox
Money Quote: “[A cancer diagnosis] is the worst-case scenario that everyone envisions, but you can find purpose. People should understand that it isn’t the end of the world, you just have to realign your world.”

How are you doing?

I haven’t had a drink in 80 days and counting! Jokes aside, the cancer diagnosis has changed everything. My goals have changed. My outlook on health has changed. Cancer has affected me, but it won’t stop me.

I also love a bit of gallows humor. It’s a fun coping mechanism.

Tell us how you’re finding a renewed sense of purpose following your cancer diagnosis.

It’s the worst case scenario that everyone envisions, but you can find purpose. People should understand that it isn’t the end of the world, you just have to realign your world. I’m a little more mindful of my time. I’m just appreciating life with a little more urgency.

I was so grateful to be the beneficiary at my Memorial Day benefit. When I’m fully recovered, I want to throw a plate sale or some sort of event for someone else going through cancer.

What’s been the greatest help for you during chemotherapy?

My loved ones and long walks. It’s been critical for my body to move. My energy levels have dropped during chemo, so taking walks has been critical.

What do you hope for in terms of the future of San Antonio’s bar scene?

We’re always comparing ourselves to Austin. I think we should aim bigger and compete with bigger cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, etc. I want to see more people get together and move the needle for our city.

Do you have any other bar projects in the works?

I had a project I was working on prior to the diagnosis. While my priorities have shifted at the moment, I may revisit that idea in the future. I’ve always just wanted to create cool things I personally would want to see in the city.

Happy belated anniversary to the Squeezebox!

Even though it’s closed now, the Squeezebox’s anniversary on July 1 is still special to me. It opened on that day in 2016 and changed my life forever.

People want to know when the Fajita Lounge is returning?

The third-annual Fajita Lounge Showdown is slated to take place Labor Day weekend. It’ll be the biggest one yet. You can print that!

What’s a local restaurant or bar you think is underrated or that you wish more people knew about?

I absolutely love The Cottage Irish Pub on Broadway.

How do you want to be remembered in the decades to come?

As someone who lived with intention. That’s the way I approach my business and life. I want people to look at me and say, “If he did it, I can do it.”

What’s the first drink you’re ordering when you complete chemo?

A cold Mexican beer with lime. Maybe nine or 10 of them.

Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.

Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Or sign up for our RSS Feed

Related Stories

This article appears in Jul 10-23, 2025.